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State of Maine 
COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED 

ON 

PUBLIC SAFETY 




y 



MEMBERS OF COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

Harold M. Sewall, Bath, Chairman Herbert Payson, Portland 

John E. Bunker, Bar Harbor, Secretary Hiram W. Ricker, So. Poland 

William T. Cobb, Rockland Donald F. Snow, Bangor 

Rex W. Dodge, Portland J. S. P. H. Wilson, Auburn 

Halbert P. Gardner, Portland *Harry M. Verrill, Portland 

Charles F. Johnson. Waterville *Kenneth C. M. Sills, Brunswick 

* Added later, 

AlTDROSCOaG-IN 
Hiram W. Ricker, So. Poland, Chairman .lohn S. P. H. Wilson, Auburn 
Royce D. Purinton, Lewiston, Acting Chm. Charles O. Beale, Auburn 
Walter H. Sawyer, Auburn, Sec'y 

AROOSTOOK 
Frederick A. Powers, Houlton. Chairman Patrick H. Therriault, Lille 

A. W. Spaulding, Caribou Herbert W. Trafton, Fort Fairfield 

CUMBERI.AITI} 
Robert Braun, Portland, Chairman T. H. Houlihan, Portland 

Silas B. Adams, Portland Adam P. Leighton, Jr., Portland 

.lames F. Albion, Portland Alexander T. Laughlin, Portland 

Arthur S. Bosworth, Portland Morris McDonald, Portland 

Bernard A, Bove, Portland .T. Bennett Pike, Bridgton 

Philip Dana, Westbrook George P. Plaisted, Gorham 

Charles L. Donahue, Portland Samuel Rosenberg, Portland 

nimer A. Dcten, Portland Frank D. True, Portland 

Fred E. Eastman, Portland Charles E. West, So. Portland 

Henry P. Frank, Portland Guv L. Cronkite, Portland 

D. W. Hoegg, Jr., Portland 

FRANKI.IIT 
Flmer E. Richards, Farmington, Chairman Bion Wing, Phillips 
John R. Bass, Wilton 

HANCOCK 
Lu3re B. Deasy, Chairman C. K. Foster, Sargentville 

John E. Bunker, Bar Harbor Charles McCluskey, Castine 

Andrew P. Havey, West Sullivan Fred A. Torrey, Stonington 

KEISTNEBEC 
tCharles F. Johnson, Waterville, Chairman Geo, F. Parmenter, Waterville 
R. P. Hazzard, Gardiner \V. .1. Thompson, So. China 

Reuel J. Noyes, Augusta lilaine S. Viles, Augusta, Sec'y 

KNOX 
William T. Cobb, Rockland, Chairman ':)badiah Gardner, Rockland 

Tyler M. Coombs, Vinalhaven Reuel Robinson, Camden 

IINC OLN 

B. C. Redonnett, Wiscasset, Chairman O. A. Gregory, Boothbay Harbor 
Phinfas H. Gay, Newcastle K. Montgomery, East Boothbay 

OXFORD 
Albert J. Stearns, Norway. Chairman Leslie E. Mclntyre. East Waterford 

Theodore Hawley, Rumford Alton C. Wheeler, South Paris 

PENOBSCOT 
F. H, Parkhurst, Bangor, Chairman Fdward M. Graham, Bangor 

Nathan C. Bucknam, Dexter George W. Stearns, Millinocket 

Charles P. Connors, Bangor F. H. Strickland, Bangor 

Charles J. Dunn. Orono *Frank C. Wright. Bangor 

Hugh Gallagher. Bangor 

PISCATAQUIS 
Frank E. Guernsey, Dover, Chairman H. A. Sanders, Jr., Greenville 

John Houston, Guilford 

SAGADAHOC 
Harold M. Sewall, Bath, Chairman Fred H. Thompson, Bath 

Edward W. Hycie, Bath *M. P. Haraden. Bath 

Arthur K. Purington, Bath. Sec'y tCharles P. Weatherbee, Bath 

SOMERSET 
Carleton P. Merrill. Skowhegan. Chairman Stanley R. Oldham, Pittsfield 
Samuel W. Gould, Skowhegan Walter P. Ordway, Skowhegan 

■WAI.DO 

Orlando E. Frost, Belfast, Chairman Harry Kilgore, Belfast 

B. F. Colcord, Searsport E. L. Siirague, Islesboro 

WASHINGTON 
John R. Trimble, Calais, Chairman Bion M. Pike, Lubec 

H. H. Gray, Milbridge John R. Roche, Eastport 

S. W. Hill, Machias Rufus B. Stevens, Jonesport 

Harold H. Murcliie, Calais 

YORK 
Ernest M. Goodall, Sanford, Chairman Horace Mitchell, Kittery 

*George G. Emery, Sanford, Acting Chm. Elmer E. Page, Saco 
Cecil F. Clark. Hollis Ctr. and Biddeford, Sec. Lamont A. Stevens, Wells 
John Dennett, York Frank Parsons, Kennebunk 

Edward M. Dearing. Biddeford 
*Added later. tResigned. 



D. of D, 

MAR 8 1918 



cn: 



nO 






GOVERNOR MILLIKEN'S WAR MESSAGE 
Gentlemen of the Legislature: 

Since you first assembled three months ago, world events 
have moved swiftly to a fateful climax. I have summoned 
you in joint convention at the very opening of your session 
this morning because the moment has come for the State of 
Maine, acting through her chosen representatives, to begin play- 
ing her proper part in world affairs. 

For more than thirty months Americans have watched with 
growing horror and amazement the appalling world catastrophe 
across the sea. We are a peaceful people committed by ancient 
tradition to a policy of aloofness from European alliances. 
This policy we have struggled to maintain. Through all these 
weary months we have taken no part except that of messenger 
of succor and relief to the distressed. 

But continued isolation from the struggle has become in- 
creasingly impossible. Neither the broad expanse of the At- 
lantic nor the faith of treaties nor the instincts common to 
humanity have sufficed to protect our peaceful and law-abiding 
citizens from the assassin. With unbelievable patience and 
self-restraint, we have seen our flag insulted, our rights inso- 
lently invaded, our citizens, even women and children, foully 
murdered upon the high seas. Our self-respect and honor as 
a nation forbid further endurance of these intolerable aggres- 
sions. 

But we are to enter the war at last not only because of 
the threat against the integrity of our own nation and this 
hemisphere for which we have some measure of responsibility. 
This is to be no mere defensive war on our part. We are to 
strike and strike with all the energy and power at our com- 
mand because we are at last convinced that the very fate of 
civilization is at stake. 

A ruthless military frenzy is running amuck in the world, 



2 committee; of one hundred 

armed, not with bludgeon and spear suited to such a survival 
of savagery, but with the most frightful engines of destruction 
that modern science can devise. Our warfare is not against 
the German people but against the brutal despotism which 
assumes to govern them,— a belated survival of mankind's age- 
old enemy, the cruel and arrogant spirit of autocracy, which 
soon, please God, is utterly to vanish from the earth. 

More is concerned in this titanic struggle than the honor 
or the life of any nation. It has become a world conflict for 
that freedom of self-governing democracies of which our flag 
is the supreme token among mankind. The allies are fighting 
for civilization against despotism. With the battle finally 
joined upon this issue our flag would droop in the breeze if 
withheld ingloriously from the conflict. 

Last night before a joint convention of Congress, the 
President asked that a state of war be declared to exist and 
that our government at once enter upon the conflict upon the 
side of the Allies with all the energy and power at our com- 
mand. You have read his calm and patriotic utterance. 

Congress will meet again this noon to put into full effect 
his recommendations. Before that time, let us, by appropriate 
action, assure the President and Congress of our full and loyal 
support in this solemn hour of national crisis. No words need 
be added to his noble statement of the case. The eloquence 
of deeds can best be ours. 

I urge that you provide immediate authority for the issu- 
ance of bonds to the amount of one million dollars and give 
the Governor and Council full authority to spend such portion 
of this amount as may be necessary for military purposes. 

You will also enact such defense measures as may seem 
to you fitting, giving the constituted authorities powers appro- 
priate for them to use in time of war. 

You should also make suitable provision for adequate care 
of the families and dependents of soldiers. This can best be 
done in my judgment by granting some discretion to the Gov- 
ernor and Council without attempting to make a fixed rule 
applicable to all cases. 

So much of our duty we may now foresee. Whatever 



ON PUBLIC SAKETY 3 

more our country asks of us will be given with cheerful and 
unswerving loyalty. You will remain in session for the next 
few days, even into next week if necessary in order to be ready 
to take instant action upon matters within the jurisdiction of 
the State as fast as events shall point the way. 

Our little State has a role in the coming conflict far out 
of proportion to her size. Our rocky shores look out upon 
the broad Atlantic, once the highway of peaceful commerce, 
now the possible path of the ruthless invader. When today 
the leaders of our nation meet in solemn conference, let it be 
knowm that Maine is true to her glorious traditions of other 
days, — that now as always in the past her sons are willing to 
offer freely the last full measure of devotion when their coun- 
try calls. 

CARL E. MILLIKEN, Governor. 
April 3, 1917. 



4 committe;e; of one; hundred 

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE OF ONE 
HUNDRED ON PUBLIC SAFETY 

We herewith hand you the report of the Chairman of this 
Committee, to the Executive Committee, from the beginning of 
its work. Appended will be found summary of the work of 
the Naval Affairs Committee, of the County Committees, the 
Food Committee, and the Four Minute Men Department ; also 
a financial statement to the end of the year, December 31, 1917. 

HAROLD M. SEWALL, Chairman. 
JOHN E. BUNKER, Secretary. 

STATE OF MAINE 
Committee on Public Safety 

On the 9th of April last, the Secretary of War sent to all 
State Governors a letter suggesting the organization in every 
State of a State Council of Defense similar in nature to the 
Council of National Defense and created to promote and co- 
ordinate war activities of the State, and to cooperate with the 
Federal Government and the Council of National Defense. 
On March 22, 1917, more than two weeks in advance of this 
letter. Governor Milliken appointed a Committee of One Hun- 
dred on Public Safety, summoning them to the service of their 
State and Nation. Maine was the second State in the Union 
to appoint such a Committee, Massachusetts being the first. 

The response to the Governor's summons was prompt, full 
and patriotic. On March 31, every member named who was 
within the limit of the State, and not detained by sickness or 
imperative necessity, met in Portland, to the number of 95. 

After being called to order by the Chairman, on motion 
of Mr. Braun of Portland, Mr. Hoegg was chosen temporary 
secretary. 

In calling the Committee to order the Chairman pointed 
out the limitations under which it was to act ; that it had no 
legal status ; that it was to supplement, and not in any way 
to displace, existing authority; that its duties were necessarily 



ON PUBI.IC SAFETY 5 

undefined, and it was generally to do what by common consent 
should be agreed on to be done, in the emergency which con- 
fronted the State. 

After being addressed by the Governor, briefly explaining 
the purposes for which the Committee was created, and by 
Mr. Weed, Vice-Chairman of the Massachusetts Committee 
on Public Safety, on motion of Dean Kenneth C. M. Sills of 
Brunswick the following communication was ordered to be sent 
to the President of the United States : 

"Portland, Maine, 2^ March, 1917. 

To the President of the United States, 
Washington, D. C. 

The Committee on Public Safety of Maine, appointed by 
the Governor, and representing every section of the State, 
meeting for the first time in Portland, desires to assure you 
of the loyal support of the State of Maine in every eifort 
made to defend the honor and safety of our country. We 
believe that the hour has come when the United States must 
unsheathe the sword and strike for the right. As free men 
dwelling by the sea, we hold that American ships are American 
soil, and that American sailors have the same right to the pro- 
tection of the government as have citizens in any portion of 
our land. We believe that the sentiment of this country will 
no longer allow to continue a situation under which other 
nations are defending our coasts and fighting our battles. If 
we are to have the influence that we all hope for when the 
war is over, we must bear a part of the burden now. To 
these ends, as citizens of Maine, sharing the glorious traditions 
of New England and of the country at large, in the words of 
our forefathers, 'we pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our 
sacred honor.' " 

Upon motion of Mr. Gardner of Portland, it was resolved : 
"That the Committee urge Maine Senators and Representatives 
to act and vote in the next Congress with all possible prompt- 
ness in declaring that war exists and to aid in using all the 
powers of this Nation against the German forces." 

On motion of ex-Governor Cobb of Rockland, amended 



6 COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED 

by Capt. Colcord of Searsport, it was voted that -the Legis- 
lature of Maine be requested to appropriate a million dollars 
to be used under the direction of the Governor and Council 
for the purposes of State preparedness and defense. 

It was voted to appoint a Legislative Committee of three. 
On motion of Judge Stearns of Norway, the principle of uni- 
versal military training was endorsed. On motion of Col. 
Parkhurst of Bangor, it was voted to advocate before the 
Legislature the establishment of a State Constabulary, and the 
creation of legal machinery for the organization of a Home 
Guard. On motion of Judge Powers of Houlton, it was voted 
that the Committee consider its first duty to see that the exist- 
ing official military organization in the State is fully equipped 
to the last detail for a possible call to service. 

On motion of Mr. Wheeler of South Paris, it was voted 
by acclamation that the Chairman be directed to convey the 
profound appreciation of the Committee to Mr. Walker Blaine 
Beale for his timely and patriotic generosity in tendering for 
the use of the Committee the residence of his distinguished 
grandfather, the late James G. Blaine. 

Senator Hale addressed the Committee. 

ORGANIZATION 

It was voted that the Counties should organize their own 
Committees. 

The organization was subsequently completed as follows : 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE NAMED BY THE GOVERNOR 

Harold M. Sewall, Bath, Chairman. 

John E. Bunker, Bar Harbor, Secretary. 

George E. Macomber, Augusta, Treasurer. 

William T. Cobb, Rockland. 

Rex W. Dodge, Portland. 

Halbert P. Gardner, Portland. 

Ernest M. Goodall, Sanford. 

Charles F. Johnson, Waterville. 

Herbert Payson, Portland. 

Hiram Ricker, South Poland. 

Donald F. Snow, Bangor. 



ON PUBLIC SAFETY 

J. S. P. H. Wilson, Auburn. 
Harry M. Verrill, Portland. 
Kenneth C. M. Sills, Brunswick. 
William T. White. Rockland. 



Sub-Committees : 

Coordination of Aid Societies, 

Finance, 

Industrial Survey, 

Naval Affairs, 

Protection of Public Utilities, 

Steam Transportation, 

Food Production and Conserva- 
tion, 

Water Transportation, 



Chairmen: 

Dean K. C. M. Sills, Brunswick 
Harry M. Verrill, Portland 
Walter F. Wyman, Augusta 
William T. White, Rockland 
Frank E. Boston, Gardiner 
Morris McDonald, Portland 

Donald F. Snow, Bangor 
Frank C. Wright, Bangor 



The Counties were organized, the Chairman of each organ- 
ization being the first member of the Committee of One Hun- 
dred from each County as follows : 

Androscoggin: Royce D. Purington, Lewiston 

Aroostook: Frederick A. Powers, Houlton 

Cumberland: Robert Braun, Portland 

Franklin: Elmer E. Richards, Farmington 

Hancock: Lucre B. Deasy, Bar Harbor 

Kennebec: Charles F. Johnson, Waterville 

Knox: William T. Cobb, Rockland 

Lincoln: B. C. Redonnett, Wiscasset 

Oxford: Albert J. Stearns, Norway 

Penobscot: Frederick H. Parkhurst, Bangor 

Piscataquis: Frank E. Guernsey, Dover 

Sagadahoc: Harold M. Sewall, Bath 

Somerset: Carleton P. Merrill, Skowhegan 

Waldo: Orlando E. Frost, Belfast 

Washington: John R. Trimble, Calais 

York: Ernest M. Goodall, Sanford 

In April the Executive Committee sent out suggestions to 
the County Chairmen as to the tentative scope of their work, 
but each Chairman was left free to direct the work for his 
own County along the lines which seemed best fitted for that 
particular section, the requirements for the coast and inland 
counties necessarily differing in essentials. The County Chair- 



8 COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED 

men were kept informed as to measures being taken by the 
National Council of Defense and the Government at Washing- 
ton. Letters were sent to them suggesting window advertise- 
ments for Naval Recruiting; in regard to the scarcity of wood, 
advising its cutting; giving notice of the appointment of a 
special agent of the Department of Justice with headquarters 
at the office of the United States Attorney at Portland. The 
attention of the municipal officers in each city, town and plan- 
tation was called to the act requiring the recording of sales 
of 'dynamite, powder and other explosives, also to the act reg- 
ulating the registration of aliens; also request to the clerk of 
each city, town and plantation to send copies of the enrollment 
for that municipality on blanks sent out from the Headquar- 
ters for that purpose. 

NATIONAL DEFENSE COUNCIL AT WASHINGTON 

On May 2d and 3d, with the Governor the Chairman 
attended a National Defense Council at Washington. The 
Governors of eleven States, and representatives from 48 States 
were present, although not all the States were then organized. 
The conference was impressively addressed by the President, 
the Secretary of War, of the Navy, of the Interior, of Labor 
and Commerce; also by the Adjutant General and Judge Ad- 
vocate General of the Army, and by members of the Advisory 
Council. The magnitude of the task before the Government 
was dwelt upon, and the aid that was expected of the State 
Councils of Defense and Committees of Safety was pointed 
out. 

In closing the conference the Secretary of War, who pre- 
sided, requested each of the members to feel "That we in 
Washington want you to reflect for us as accurately as you 
can the state of the public mind in your communities, and that 
we want you here to tell us of the problems which present 
themselves to you in your States, calling on us for aid when 
it is a thing in which our aid can be given, giving lis informa- 
tion when you think we ought to have that information to 
enable us to make sound judgment on a policy — in other words, 
if you will feel that you are just a part of us for the time 



ON PUBLIC SAFETY 9 

being, scattered out through the United States — an extension, 
as it were, of the personaHty of the Council of Defense, and 
for the purpose of keeping in touch with the pubHc sentiment, 
pubHc need, and the condition of pubhc affairs. * * * 

"If it be true that we are in for a long siege — and no 
man can safely express an opinion as to the length of it — 
but if it be true that our country has not only to bow its back 
to the burden, but to carry the burden a great distance, then 
there may be frequent occasions when the Council of National 
Defense will send out telegraphic requests for you to reas- 
semble; and let us take you into our confidence, and you take 
us into yours, so that the harmonious relations established by 
this conference continue, and the efficiency of our cooperation 
be assured." 

SEED AND FERTILIZERS 

Responding to the demand for fertilizers from all over 
the State, the Committee through its Secretary communicated 
with all fertilizer manufacturers east of the Mississippi River 
to ascertain what supplies were available, with the result that 
thirty carloads were ordered ; but owing to the impossibility 
of obtaining the necessary ingredients, a part of these orders 
were cancelled. Seven carloads were received, which were 
sold through the local Committees or appointed agents at cost, 
and distributed as widely as possible. 

Through the efforts of the Committee nine carloads of 
Western seed wheat, and one carload of buckwheat were se- 
cured, most of it coming by express, freight conditions being 
so congested at that time as to make it impossible to get ship- 
ments to Maine in time for sowing. By direction of Gov. 
Milliken, this was distributed to farmers at $4 per bushel, 
f. o. b. Waterville, which seemed to be the most central dis- 
tributing point, the state bearing the additional expense. 

We have on hand, stored with the Farmers' Union Grain 
& Supply Company at Waterville, 962 bushels of seed wheat, 
costing $3,747.90, and 228 bushels of seed buckwheat, costing 
$547.20. This grain is being stored at 5c. per bushel, until 
seed time in the spring of 1918. 



lO COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED 

All of the yellow flint corn that could be bought in On- 
tario through the influence of the Canadian Commission of 
Agriculture was secured for those desiring to purchase same' 
for their own use. 

The Committee sent out blanks to all seed dealers in the 
State, also advertised in the newspapers in order to reach all 
growers having good seed for sale, and kept on file at the 
Headquarters lists of same, acting as an agency to bring tlie 
would-be purchaser into contact with parties having seed for 
sale. By this means hundreds of bushels of beans were trans- 
ferred from one part of the State to another in quantities 
varying from a few quarts to a few bushels. Thousands of 
bushels of potatoes were transferred from one locality to 
another in quantities varying from a few bushels to carload 
lots. Large quantities of corn, barley, oats, rye and native- 
grown buckwheat were through this means, secured by the 
farmers. 

Through the efforts that were made by this Committee 
and its sub-committee on Food Production and Conservation, 
whose report is appended, the acreage of the State was in- 
creased over ioo%, but on account of the very unfavorable 
weather the 1917 crops were below those of 1916. If the 
weather had been that of a normal season, the State of Maine 
would have been blessed with by far the largest crops it ever 
produced. 

From time to time the Committee sent to the leading 
newspapers matter for publication, especially that urged by 
the States' Council at Washington and that pertaining to in- 
creased crop production. 

COAST AND NAVAL ACTIVITIES 

So far the field covered by the Committee is similar to 
the work done by other States, but one field Maine made 
peculiarly her own. Maine is a maritime state, with its vast 
indented coastline, its capes, stretching far out into the Atlan- 
tic, its bays and rivers forming the most admirable location 
for submarine bases. The exposed position on the sea tended 
to bring the defenseless condition of our people more nearly 



ON FUBI.IC SAFETY II 

home than at any time since the Revokition or the Naval War 
of 1812. For Maine's direct frontage on the sea in a straight 
line is nearly 250 miles, and multiplied by its sinuosities, makes 
a salt water frontage of 2500 miles; while at the distance of 
a three-mile stretch along the shore, lies a chain of outposts 
of more than 300 islands. 

Naturally, it was in the coast counties that the organ- 
ization of the local Committees of Safety took the first and 
fullest hold, and the recognition of the dangers to which they 
were exposed, led the Governor to appoint a larger member- 
ship generally, from those counties than from those inland, 
particularly from Cumberland. In these, the oldest settled 
parts of the State, Committees on Safety were organized in 
the very towns and by the descendants of those who had organ- 
ized Committees of Safety at the outbreak of the Revolution. 
Never, it seems, had Maine been thrown even in those days 
more upon her own resources of defense, for, despite the growth 
of our military and naval establishment, the defense we might 
offer was inadequate, considering the growth of the state from 
its early years. Geographically, there seemed to be no State 
in the Union more exposed to the dangers of the sea. And 
it was not forgotten that long before the war, the War Board 
had pointed out that, in event of an invasion of this country, 
this invasion would be through Chesapeake Bay or New Eng- 
land. 

We were on the highway to Canada, a country at war 
with our common enemy, and already there had been an attempt 
to blow up the International bridge between the territories. 
The Kennebec, in the Revolution, had carried the American 
forces far on their way to Quebec. At Bath was the eastern- 
most shipbuilding plant devoted to naval construction in the 
United States, while from Portland heavy shipments of horses 
and grain were being made for the Allies. Halifax lay but a 
short distance from our boundary, as we were forcibly re- 
minded by the fact that the last German raider in the Atlantic 
cruised almost within sight of our shores in her attempt to 
destroy English transports sailing from that port. 

Cumberland, which was the first county thoroughly to 



12 COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED 

organize, having within its hmits the forts of Portland Harbor, 
and keenly alive to its natural position as being on the route 
that would be chosen in case of an invasion of Canada, took 
every step to cooperate with the Federal, Military and Naval 
authorities there, providing food, clothing and supplies to such, 
extended financial assistance, installed sanitary equipment in 
barracks and leased extra quarters where there had been danger 
of overcrowding. Their Committee chartered a boat for coast 
patrol. It rendered clerical help and kept in close touch with 
the important and urgent needs of the establishments there 
which could not immediately be provided for through the Fed- 
eral channels which were choked with the demands upon them, 
by the great emergency of war. It gathered statistics of 
all available supplies. And it did this by itself and without 
any aid from the State. By paying travelling expenses the 
Cumberland Committee facilitated the enlistment in the Naval 
Reserve of young men from the country towns. 

Owing to the fact that Bath was selected as one of the 
five naval bases along the Maine coast, much of the work of 
the Sagadahoc Public Safety Committee had to do with the 
office of the local Section-Commander, and data pertaining to 
various subjects such as docking facilities for war vessels, 
bituminous coal to be found here in stock and amounts which 
could be handled by local stevedores, radio operators and own- 
ers of wireless sets were furnished the Naval authorities. Upon 
request, the Committee assisted in closing up all private wire- 
less sets, notifying the police of every city and town along 
the Kennebec river, even beyond tidewater and far to the east- 
ward. Through its efforts, a complete radio plant, the gift of 
a public-spirited citizen, was installed at Bath. Arrangements 
were made for occupancy, during the period of the war, of 
the Kennebec Yacht Club as a Naval Station for Coast Patrol 
Service within the section bounded by Seguin Island on the 
west and Megunticus Rock on the east. 

In Knox, headquarters for navy coast patrol being estab- 
lished in Rockland, the local Committee with the State Chair- 
man of the Committee on Naval Affairs worked with the offi- 
cers in charge to help them in obtaining suitable quarters, etc. 



ON PUBLIC SAFETY I3 

Due to the confusion at Naval Headquarters in the First Naval 
District there was serious delay in forwarding to Rockland the 
pay due enlisted men, also necessary clothing, uniforms and 
equipment. The Welfare Committee provided meals and what- 
ever equipment was temporarily necessary. The Committee 
established a local War Camp Y. M. C. A. building, for the 
exclusive use of the men in the Naval Department. 

The Executive Committee recommended to the Governor 
and Council the authorization, at a cost not to exceed one 
thousand dollars, of radio plants along the coast under the 
supervision of W. R. Rush, District Superintendent of Boston 
Navy Yard; also the authorization of the necessary building 
for the instalment of electrical machinery at Fort Popham — 
the funds for this not being immediately available to the Naval 
authorities. 

This, briefly, was the prompt and efficient aid extended 
the Government by the State, local and county committees. 
On the 7th of April a sub-committee was named by the State 
Executive Committee, with W. T. White of Rockland as Chair- 
man. This Committee immediately got in touch with Captain 
W. R. Rush, Commandant First Naval District, in order to 
ascertain what the State could do to assist in the unusual emer- 
gency which confronted the Navy Department. It was learned 
that the immediate demand was for patrol boats, and the State 
was asked to provide through this Committee the nucleus of a 
fleet. The Executive Committee recommended the expenditure 
of $100,000 for the purchase of such boats. The Governor and 
Council immediately voted this amount. Seven boats were pur- 
chased, at a total cost of $94,500. With the funds at the dis- 
posal of the Committee their work was greatly simplified and 
facilitated for the reason that it gave official recognition to 
the action of the Committee in asking yacht owners to give 
their craft or make a lease of them for a nominal amount to 
the State. By this method the Committee procured fifteen 
more boats leased for one dollar a year and offered to the 
Navy Department for its free and unrestricted use. They were 
all accepted and put into service, manned with navy crews and 
in charge of the various Section Commanders to whom they 
were assigned. 



14 COMMITTEE OE ONE HUNDRED 

Three months subsequently the Navy Department took 
these boats over officially, fully reimbursing the State for the 
outlay. The plan of the Committee, therefore, resulted in put- 
ting in service without delay, a sufficient fleet to patrol ade- 
quately the Maine coast. The naval commandant expressed 
his appreciation of the work of the Committee in giving such 
aid as no other state had given, and Chairman White was 
made, in recognition of this work, a First Lieutenant of the 
Naval Reserve. 

The further activity of the Committee consisted in assist- 
ing the Commandant, Chief of Staff and Section Commander 
in every way within the powers of civilians familiar with the 
country and people. Every effort was made by the Committee 
to assist in the provision for the health, comfort and weTTare 
of the men under the Section Commanders, also at the speciBc 
request of the Chief of Staff, assistance was rendered in secur- 
ing authorization, requisition, permits from the superior offi- 
cers in the Navy Yard as in the judgment of the commanders 
were essential to the base organizations, and yet were irregular 
in their time or had been overlooked by the Navy Yard officials 
in the tremendous rush of business since the declaration of 
war. 

Perhaps no part of the Committee's activities were of more 
immediate and will be of more lasting service than the part it 
took in assisting in the establishment of radio stations along 
the coast of our State. As a result of these activities Mr. 
Alessandro Fabbri of New York became interested in the work, 
and manifested his interest in a material way by erecting at 
Bar Harbor what is probably the best equipped amateur radio 
plant in the United States. This plant has been offered to and 
formally accepted by the Navy Department, and is now in its 
possession. 

GENERAL ACTIVITIES 

The testimony that is thus given to the work of the Com- 
mittees in the coast counties is meant in no disparagement of 
the work simultaneously pursued on different lines in the other 
counties. Their reports appended speak for themselves. The 



ON PUBIvIC SAFETY 1 5 

work of the organizations in Penobscot, Androscoggin, Oxford 
and Piscataquis are particularly to be commended. 

The State Committee cooperated as far as possible in the 
Liberty Loan Campaign, arranging through the County Chair- 
men for the assistance of those sent through the State in the 
interest of the same, and providing the names of energetic men 
in practically every town in the State to assist in this work. 
Similar aid was extended in the recruiting campaign. TEe 
Committee endorsed the passage of the Military Selective Con- 
scription Bill and called upon our Senators and Representa- 
tives in Congress to support it. 

During the latter part of May and June, the Secretary 
was appointed Recruiting Officer for a Transportation Unit 
for the Quartermaster's Corps, U. S. A., examinations, both 
physical and technical, being held at Committee's Headquar- 
ters, and this unit has now been called into active service. 

EFFORTS TO SECURE A MILITARY TRAINING CAMP 

The Committee recommended the location of a military 
training camp at Cape Elizabeth, near Fort Williams, land to 
be furnished the Government without cost. Later, following 
several interviews between General Edwards, Commander of 
the Department of the Northeast, and the Governor with the 
Chairman, attention was directed to the availability of a site 
at San ford Plains for a permanent cantonment in which the 
drafted men of our State, with others, could be trained. The 
Chairman of our Military Committee, Mr. Ricker, joined Major 
Pope in an inspection of this site, on which a favorable recom- 
mendation was made, also in an inspection by General Ed- 
wards, who endorsed its availability. This was followed by the 
visit of a sub-committee consisting of Dean Sills, Senator 
Johnson and the Chairman, to Washington, where with the two 
Senators from our State and the Representative from the First 
District, an interview was had with the Secretary of War, to 
urge its adoption. The Secretary, after hearing the presenta- 
tion of the case, replied that it had been conclusively deter- 
mined that there should be but one cantonment established in 
New England, and that at Ayer, Mass. 



l6 COMMITT^K OF ONE HUNDRED 

FUEL 

During the second month of the Committee's existence, an 
appeal was sent to our Senators and Representatives in Con- 
gress to investigate the report that the ocean-going tugs towing 
barges with coal for Maine, were to be commandeered by the 
Government. 

Letters have been sent, enclosing request from the New 
England Fuel Committee, and again urging the cutting of 
wood. Reports have been obtained monthly from each port 
of our State at the request of the Boston Chamber of Com- 
merce, compiling the amount of coal received by water in 
Maine. Copies sent to the Chamber of Commerce and also to 
the National Fuel Administration. 

On December 20th your Chairman represented the Gov- 
ernor, detained by illness, at a meeting in Washington of the 
New England Governors on the fuel situation. A conference 
was held with Mr. Garfield, National Fuel Administrator, who 
promised relief for the situation in New England, and later 
a conference was held with the Railroad War Board. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Our Senators and Representatives were asked to lend their 
efforts to the establishment by the Federal Government of a 
minimum price on staple food products as soon as possible. 

The Committee approved the recommendations of its sub- 
committee on Food Production and Conservation that $250,000 
be loaned by the State to the farmers to aid them in crop 
production. This recommendation of the Committee was not 
approved by the Governor and Council. 

The Committee authorized the publication of a Maine 
patriotic handbook, the compilation of which is now completed 
by the State Librarian, Mr. Dunnack — designed to promote 
state pride, and to stimulate and maintain a spirit among our 
people, that shall stand behind the purpose of the war. 

June 1st the Committee sent out registration buttons de- 
signed by the Secretary to every city, town and plantation 
throughout the State. 



ON PUBUC SAFUTY I7 

At the June meeting it was voted to turn all relief work 
over to the Red Cross. July ist, the Secretary took his place 
upon the Public Utilities Commission, but retained a general 
oversight of the Committee's correspondence at Headquarters. 

In August Professor Paul Nixon of Bowdoin volunteered 
his services to the Committee, and was appointed Assistant 
Secretary. After conference with the Governor, it was ar- 
ranged that branch headquarters should be opened at Bath for 
the convenience of the Chairman and Prof. Nixon. These 
offices have now been closed. 

At the last meeting in Bath, it was voted that the Executive 
Committee tender the services of the Public Safety Committees 
to the Exemption Boards of the State. This was done, but 
there was no general use made of the aid thus volunteered; 
though in certain sections of the State information as to ex- 
emption was requested by Exemption Boards, and witli very 
satisfactory results. 

It was voted as the sense of the Committee that the Act 
Providing for a State Constabulary should be put in force. 
This matter has been urgently brought to the Governor's atten- 
tion orally and by letter. The Governor had a meeting with 
the sheriffs, who assured him they were able to cope with the 
situation, but we believe he still has the subject under con- 
sideration. 

The matter of securing farm labor was left to the Food 
Committee. 

It was voted that the State Committee secure lists by coun- 
ties of all men in naval and military service, and that these 
lists should be sent to the County Chairmen. The labor in- 
volved in securing these lists has been greater than was antici- 
pated. After waiting until the clerical force in the Adjutant 
General's office had arranged the names in alphabetical order 
by counties, it has been necessary for the stenographer at our 
Headquarters to make pencil copies of the lists, and afterwards 
put them in type, this being a slow process. The lists have 
now been completed and forwarded to the County Chairmen. 

It was voted to put the Four Minute Men plan into oper- 
ation. Prof. Nixon was made Chairman and the results are 



i8 committeje; of one hundred 

known to you. It is only fair to state that they have been 
accompHshed solely by his untiring and patriotic devotion. The 
report on this work is appended. 

Circular letters have been sent asking the County Chair- 
man to finance the Food Pledge Campaign; letters offering 
clerical aid to the Exemption Boards in the work under the 
draft; letters regarding the second Liberty Loan; one to every 
Committee Chairman in towns or cities where there was a 
Chairman of the Liberty Loan Campaign; letters to Public 
Safety Committees of every coast town or city asking aid in 
enforcing the President's proclamation forbidding aliens on the 
water front, also letters to the same enclosing copies of the 
Seaboard Safety Bulletin, giving instructions as to the lookout 
and reports to be made on any submarine activities; letters to 
County Chairmen enclosing copies of an appeal to Governor 
Milliken for clerical and accounting assistance in the Y. M. 
C. A. War Work abroad. In response to this appeal Mr. 
Sawyer, Secretary of the Androscoggin Committee, secured 
two assistants, the companies with which they were connected 
offering to continue their salaries. Letters containing press 
articles were sent to the press at the request of the Commercial 
Economy Board, also various letters urging the adoption of 
the Economy Board's suggestions of a central delivery de- 
signed to relieve men of unessential employment. 

A Conference of States in the eastern half of the United 
States is to be held in Washington to discuss the curtailment 
of excessive retail delivery service. Prof. Nixon has been dele- 
gated to represent the Committee at this Conference. 

In the latter part of August a letter was addressed to the 
Committee by the United States Public Service Reserve, De- 
partment of Labor, Washington, asking the Committee to name 
some one of standing in the State who would command the 
confidence of all classes, of organizing ability and some ac- 
quaintance with the problems of industry and of labor, as a 
director for Maine of that organization. The United States 
Public Service Reserve is an official National organization of 
adult males who desire to find their place for effective service 
to the country in the war emergency. Accordingly, Mr. Charles 



ON PUBLIC SAFETY I9 

S. Hichborn of Augusta has been named as one who fully 
measures up to the requirements, and he has been given rooms 
at our headquarters. He has also been appointed Director of 
the Federal Employment Service Bureau, and his work will be 
conducted as a part of the work of our Committee. 

On November 23d we were requested to name a repre- 
sentative of this Committee to act with and assist the State 
Inspector of Explosives, operating under an act to prohibit the 
manufacture, distribution, storage and use of explosives in times 
of war, the administration of which is lodged in the Director 
of the Bureau of Mines, U. S. Department of the Interior. 
Mr. Walter S. Wyman of Augusta has been named as such 
representative. 

CONCLUSION 

The Maine Committee of Public Safety is now an integral 
part of the Councils of Defense and Committees of Safety 
established throughout the Union. 

These are of varying influence and importance. Some 
issue weekly bulletins of their own and Federal war activities, 
are equipped with large office stafif and generous financial back- 
ing. The Massachusetts Committee, the first to organize, is 
probably the best representative of its class. Although ap- 
pointed as ours and not created by act of the Legislature, its 
position has been made the more influential by the fact that, 
among other extraordinary war powers granted to the Gov- 
ernor by the Legislature, is the power to direct and determine 
the settlement of disputes arising from industrial conditions 
growing out of the war, and this power the Governor has dele- 
gated to the Executive Secretary of the Committee. More- 
over, in Massachusetts both the Fuel and Food Administra- 
tions are vested in the executive officers of that Committee. 

The position of our Committee, I need not remind you, 
is very different — its expenditures from the first have been 
infinitesimal compared to that of larger states, and small 
whether considered relatively or absolutely, as will be seen by 
the appended financial statement; and its work latterly con- 
fined to carrying out the suggestions of the State Councils 



20 committe;i; of" one hundred 

Section at Washington. Some of these suggestions have not 
been followed, for, as the State Councils Section has itself 
stated, many activities "desirable in some states v^ould not be 
desirable in others owing to different local conditions." But 
even in dealing with those that have commended themselves 
to us, we have since Mr. Bunker and Prof. Nixon have been 
withdrawn to other duties, been handicapped by a lack of office 
force. Twice your Chairman has been before the Governor 
and Council as the body which created us, and presented the 
situation in which the Committee finds itself from every angle, 
and has stated that if the Committee is to do the work that 
Washington expects of it, we must have a full-time Secretary 
and an increased staff. Assurances have been given that the 
wishes of the Committee in this respect when expressed, will 
be heeded. 

Recently the suggestions of the State Councils Section 
have been of increasing volume ; whether these accord with the 
purposes for which the Committee was created and are to be 
followed is for the Committee to decide. 

In conclusion, this Committee in all its branches met fully 
the grave emergencies thrust upon our State at the outbreak 
of the war, which called us into existence. Our zeal for serv- 
ice was heightened and renewed by the consciousness that it 
was a real service we were called upon to perform, and that 
we filled a place no other body could. There has been no 
friction, either between our committees or with the public. 
Without legal authority, with duties necessarily vague and un- 
defined, and which could not be anticipated, this speaks well 
for us and for the patriotic cooperation of those we have tried 
to serve. 

In the later months, our Committees have not been so 
active or their services so conspicuous. The Federal authori- 
ties are now able to cope with the situation within their prov- 
ince in our State without our assistance. But undoubtedly the 
largest factor which has steadily tended to restrain our activi- 
ties and proportionately to lessen the part we played in the 



ON PUBI^IC SAFETY 21 

early part of the war, has been the creation of new committees 
to take over work which otherwise would have been within 
our province, and which organizations, most of them created 
at Washington, have established new committees throughout 
the State, side by side with uor own. But we are all dedicated 
to a common cause, and our only interest is that that cause be 
served, whatever the agency. 

And in her service to that cause, Maine has measured up 
to her full stature among the States. Never before within 
the memory of the living, have the ties that should bind our 
peoples been so strengthened by common endeavor and com- 
mon sacrifice. And at the front of this endeavor and sacri- 
fice, have been, where we should expect to find them, the 
women of our State ! 

The restrictions and privations imposed upon the com- 
fort of the home, have been cheerfully endured. 

Our industries have responded to the work of war, — 
woolens, and cottons, paper, canvas tents, outfits for lumber- 
men's units, canned food and adjuncts for aeroplanes. In the 
crying need for ships, it was natural that the Nation should 
turn to Maine, and within two years, twelve large steel steam- 
ers, two already in operation, will be her contribution, — nine 
torpedo boat destroyers, one now in European waters, twenty- 
two wooden vessels for the Emergency Fleet, while keels for 
other craft beyond what have been stretched for years, revive 
the glory of yards long since deserted. 

Of money, our people have given freely. Maine is not a 
State of accumulated wealth, and those who gave from scanty 
means and the returns from daily toil, outvied by far, those 
who gave from their abundance; $1,237,500 to the Red Cross, 
Y. M. C. A., Knights of Columbus, and $38,000,000 to the 
Loans for Liberty. 

Not to be compared to these contributions — it would be 
sacrilege to do so — are the contributions of those who have 
offered their lives. The figures for the Navy we have not, 
but over 400 of our boys enrolled in the Coast Patrol ; and 
of the Army, it is imperishably recorded, to the honor of our 



22 committe;e; op one hundred 

State, that on August Sth, when the National Guard was called 
into Federal Service, had we received credit for all our volun- 
teer enlistments, and those in the regular army, Maine would 
not have been called upon to furnish a man under the first 
selective draft. In the ratio of enlistment credits to gross 
quota in that draft, she is the second State in the Union ! 

But while war lasts, there must be sombre spots here as 
elsewhere in the land, shadowed by intrigue of the enemy, or 
selfish and perverted opinion which cares not for the general 
good, among our own. Conscription has been attacked in the 
press, as in the days of the Civil War, when these attacks led 
to events which fixed for all time a stigma upon those respon- 
sible for them. Letters, whether written in ignorance or wick- 
edness, which would lull our people to sleep, now that their 
holiest emotions are aroused, have been given publication un- 
rebuked — advocating peace, when the world now knows that 
the peace proposed is that which we could accept only as a 
nation defeated in our high purpose. In sections of our State, 
happily not numerous — the spirit of the selective draft has 
broken down. Unworthy claims to exemption have been made, 
and good citizens, knowing the facts, instead of informing the 
local or District Boards, have stood by without protest, against 
the evasion or perjury which passes on to the patriot the duty 
which the slacker shirks. 

The end of this war no man can predict ; no member of 
this Committee, subordinating his hopes to his calm judgment, 
sees in the prospect of an early peace anything but an illusion. 
Optimism, which minimizes the gravity of the situation, is only 
worse than pessimism which permits a doubt of the finality. 
As for the duties that lie before our Committee in these 
days, we have from the terms of our existence — unlike other 
war agencies — no clear chart, but of one duty there is no 
doubt. Individually and collectively, we must stand behind 
the civic lines of this country, as our boys stand in the trenches 
of Europe. For disintegration of these lines, and the weaken- 
ing of the morale of our people, would be no less fatal than 
military disaster. Fortunate indeed, will be our State if the 



ON PUBLIC SAFETY 23 

era of good feeling, of fellow-confidence and mutual helpful- 
ness and unselfish devotion, born of the great cause that unites 
us, shall remain until that cause is vindicated. Peace without 
victory — yes, if our enemies so will! But if not, then peace 
by force of arms which will bring, not only the German rulers, 
but the German people to their knees. That peace will come, 
that peace must come, — peace that condones not the guilt for 
instigating this war, nor the unspeakable and unchallenged 
atrocities that follow it, — peace that demands restitution so far 
as restitution can be made. And above all, peace that secures 
for the children and children's children of those who are now 
fighting our battles on land and sea, freedom to live as they 
would live, and to live here, in the land for which these fathers 
are making the greatest sacrifice that man can make. 

This is the spirit of Maine. This is the spirit of America. 
Feb. 7, 1918 



24 committee; of one hundred 

ABSTRACT FROM REPORT OF CHAIRMAN OF THE 
COMMITTEE ON NAVAL AFFAIRS, BOATS PURCHASED 
AND SECURED BY THE STATE AND TRANSFERRED 
TO THE UNITED STATES 

For fuller reports of coast and naval activities, see report of the 
Chairman. For Agricultural activities, see report of the Committee 
on Food Production and Conservation, to which the reports of the 
County Committees have been submitted. 

The following boats were purchased: 

Shark $20,000 

Admiral 7,000 

Akbar 23,000 

Dlonra 8,500 

Endion 18,000 

Satilla 18,000 

Total $94,500 

In each case the boat and price had the unofficial approval 
of the Commandant, and has since been taken over by pur- 
chase by the Navy Department, so that today the State has 
been reimbursed for every dollar originally advanced for the 
purchase of boats. 

While the many details, which all transactions with a 
Department involve, were being taken care of, a thorough can- 
vass of other suitable boats was carried on in an effort to pro- 
cure as many other boats as possible by gift. In that branch 
of the work Governor Milliken was of invaluable assistance 
to the Committee; not only did he lend the force of his official 
position which was needed to induce yacht owners to turn their 
valuable crafts over to the Committee, but was most generous 
with his time, and in several instances personally interviewed 
owners in New York. 

The work in this direction resulted in procuring without 
cost to the State the following boats : 

Virginia, owned by the State of Maine. 
Pauline, owned by the State of Maine. 
Hobo, owned by J. S. Melcher of New York. 
Wego, owned by R. B. Fuller of New York. 



ON PUBLIC SAFETY 2$ 

Cherokee, owned by Mrs. J. S. Kennedy, Philadelphia. 
Content, owned by Gen. Edward Morrell, Philadelphia. 
Ette M. Burns, owned by Gen. Edward Morrell, Philadelphia. 
Mist, owned by Gen. Edward Morrell, Philadelphia. 
Katrina, owned by Mrs. Ewing, New York. 
Wissahickon, owned by Mrs. C. B. Henry, Philadelphia. 
Hippocampus, owned by J. S. Porter, Chicago. 
Elsie S., owned by Herman Burgi, Springfield. 
Empress, owned by J. A. Stanley, Boston. 
Dixie, owned by S. F. Houston, Philadelphia. 
Trilby, owned by A. M. Fides, Bangor. 

The volume of detail necessary to get these boats out of 
the possession of the State and into the possession of the Navy 
Department, even as gifts, is almost unbelievable; although 
much of the Committee's time has been taken by this non- 
productive effort it seems needless to describe it here. 

ABSTRACTS OF THE REPORTS OF THE COUNTY 
COMMITTEES 

ANDROSCOGGIN 

Through Walter H. Sawyer, reports a preparedness meet- 
ing, the raising of a fund of $io6i, a survey of the county's 
wood supply, and a survey carried on (until word was received 
that the National Government did not desire it) of the manu- 
factures and industries, protection of property, extended work 
of the Committee on Hygiene, Medicine and Transportation, 
which was of great help to the recruited men, and a general 
and prompt response to the requests of the State Executive 
Committee. 

AROOSTOOK 

Through Frederick A. Powers, reports, "We have done 
the best we could whenever and wherever we saw an oppor- 
tunity." 

CUMBERLAND 
Through Robert Braun, reports $91,145 pledged to the 
Committee by 150 subscribers, and in June, after the expendi- 
ture of $7,373, release of 75% of the pledges was made and 



26 COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED 

the Committee turned over to the Red Cross the care and 
protection of those in the mihtary and naval service of the 
country, and to the Chamber of Commerce the care of war 
matters relating to business and cooperation with the city, 
State and Federal authorities. They also report, in addition 
to the work done in assistance of the Army and Naval authori- 
ties, set forth elsewhere, extensive activities in increased pro- 
duction of food stuffs. 

FRANKLIN 

Reports through J. R. Bass, that it appointed sub-com- 
mittees only when there was something tangible and definite 
for them to do. They appointed a Committee on Protection 
of Public Utilities with W. B. Small of Farmington as Chair- 
man ; also a Committee on Food Production and Conservation, 
with Mr. A. K. Gardner of Farmington as Chairman. This 
Committee is practically the only one that has done much work, 
but it has been very efficient in what it has done. 

HANCOCK 

The reports from this county show a very efficient organ- 
ization and patriotic service along all lines of war activities. 

The headquarters of the Commandant of the Coast Patrol 
being located at Bar Harbor, and the county being a coast 
county, naturally stimulated exceptional interest in naval affairs. 

Voluntary contributions were made and placed in the hands 
of a very efficient sub-committee for the purchase and distribu- 
tion of seed and fertilizer. The Red Cross work and the Lib- 
erty Loans were given prompt and material support. Recruit- 
ing for all branches of the army and navy service has been 
encouraged to an unprecedented extent. 

KENNEBEC 

Through Blaine S. Viles, reports that its Finance Com- 
mittee has been able to secure subscriptions to the amount of 
$10,693. All subscriptions of $50 or over are pledged with 
the understanding that they pay 10% now and if it becomes 



ON PUBI.IC SAFETY 27 

necessary for the Committee to call for the remaining amount 
they will do so, otherwise the 10% is all they pay. Cash has 
been received amounting to $1,893. The Committee on Food 
Production and Conservation has found the most work to do. 
The labor question was the most serious one, and seemed 
to be the greatest drawback to the farmers. They were willing 
to do more than usual, and would have done much more, had 
they been able to find help. Cooperating with the ladies on the 
Town Committees, successful canning demonstrations were held 
in every town and city of the county. On May 8th, a big 
patriotic demonstration was held in Augusta by the citizens 
of the county. Without doubt, the parade on this day was 
the largest ever seen in Maine, about 10,000 people marching, 
taking one hour and twenty minutes for it to pass. The four 
cities declared holidays, and sent large delegations, as did some 
of the towns. Although this demonstration was under the 
direction of the County Committee, much credit is due to the 
citizens of the various cities and towns, who helped to arrange 
the various divisions, and especially to the citizens of Augusta 
in feeding and otherwise entertaining the visitors. We feel 
that the county is well organized to handle whatever work is 
necessary, and each and every member of the sub-committees 
and County Committee stands ready to work for the public 
safety of Kennebec County. 

KNOX 

Through William T. Cobb, Chairman, reports : 

The Finance Committee secured by public donation, the 
sum of $1270. Through the courtesy of Postmaster Donahue, 
the use of a commodious room in the Federal Building in 
Rockland, was granted. 

The Waterfront Committee made a list of wharves, giving 
in detail depth of water, length of various berths, facilities for 
coal, water, etc. 

Suitable armed guards were established at the exposed 
points of the water system, electric plant and gashouse, rail- 
road station, telephone building and Court House; also at 



28 COMMITTEE OE ONE HUNDRED 

powder storehouses, and dealers in arms and ammunition were 
requested to keep record of all sales. Inventory was made of 
the supplies carried by various wholesale dealers, estimated 
value of same amounting to $280,000. 

The Committees are holding themselves in readiness to 
do at any time any work that may fall to their share, and can 
be fully depended on at all times. 

Camden raised a separate fund of $1000, and carried on 
similar activities for the protection of her coast town; also 
Rockport. St. George gave valuable aid in furnishing names 
of men available as pilots along the coast from Eastport to> 
Cape Cod. 

LINCOLN 
Through B. C. Redonnett, reports large attention to the 
work afterwards taken over by the Red Cross. Great credit 
is given to the Committee on Food Production and Home Gar- 
dening and to Harry L. Bradford, Principal of Wiscasset 
Academy. "Ours is a county made up almost entirely of small 
communities, and therefore our work has been done in a quiet 
manner, but in most instances has been effective. The Com- 
mittee is still doing its work, and stands ready to do whatever 
may be required of it." 

OXFORD 

Through A. J. Stearns, reports raising $200, and no other 
funds have been solicited or received. 

The men selected to serve upon the committees were large- 
ly men of affairs, with many personal cares and business in- 
terests to look after, but from them the County Committee 
received hearty and generous cooperation. Oxford being an 
agricultural county, the seed and fertilizer situation, and the 
crop survey, were the first to engage our attention. 

Recruiting. "Our Committee gave especial attention ta 
the work of recruiting, and the fact that Oxford County is 
entirely exempt from the first draft, is good evidence of the 
good work which they performed, and a fine tribute to the 



ON PUBI.IC SAFETY 29 

loyalty and patriotism of the citizens of the county." The 
Committee were called upon and responded in the work of 
the Liberty Loan, uniting their efforts with those of the offi- 
cials directly in charge, "with the result that the apportionment 
of Oxford County for both the first and second loan, was 
largely over-subscribed." The Committee has also given very 
efficient aid to the Four Minute Men campaign. 

Food Conservation — "While the organization in work per- 
formed under the food administration is not connected directly 
with the work of the Committee on Public Safety, it might not 
be out of place to say that very largely the work in this behalf 
fell upon those who have been doing large amounts of public 
safety work." 

"Your county chairman was also county chairman of the 
Food Conservation Committee, and in the organization of this 
work, drew very largely upon the Public Safety Committee 
in the various towns ; having sounded them and found them 
to ring true. A detailed report of this work would be out of 
place here, but will be made to the Federal Food Adminis- 
trator." 

PENOBSCOT 

Penobscot, which has been in the first rank in efficient 
organization and enthusiastic and continuous work, reports 
through F. H. Parkhurst, Chairman, the voluntary contribu- 
tion of funds sufficient to defray its expenses for the year. 
H. W. Cushman was Chairman of this Committee. A com- 
plete tabulation of the machine shop resources for the county 
was prepared under the direction of Hugh T. Gallagher, Chair- 
man of the Committee on Industrial Resources. Resources of 
lumber and logs available were prepared by the same Com- 
mittee. Investigation was made of dockage facilities, sites 
available for shipbuilding, and a compilation of the water ton- 
nage on the Penobscot river was prepared. Local Committees 
on Public Safety were organized in every town in the county, 
and in all but one or two of the plantations. The Committee 
on Publicity was active in influencing public sentiment and 



30 COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED 

furnishing speakers. Transportation of passengers and freight 
in any wise relating to the work of the Pubhc Safety Com- 
mittee or to miUtary or naval service was put under the charge 
of the Committee on Transportation, E. M. Graham, Chair- 
man. Committee on Protection, Chas. P. Connors, Chairman, 
has efficiently cooperated with the U. S. District Attorney in 
work incident to the investigation of rumors, registration of 
aliens, etc. Aided by the Red Cross, the Committee estab- 
lished and maintained a hospital for soldiers. 

The Recruiting Committee is conspicuous for its record. 
Through its Chairman, Sabine W. Wood, it reports the following 
figures as the results of recruiting to January ist, 1918, as shown 
by the records. He does not claim that this list represents more 
than 75 per cent of the correct total. 

Residents of Non-residents 
Penobscot enlisted 

Branch of Service County at Bangor 

United States Army (Regulars) 450 650 

U. S. National Army 180 

U. S. National Guard 517 

Maine Nat'l Guard (3d Maine Inf.) no 

U. S. Navy 259 168 

U. S. Naval Reserve Force 21 

U. S. Marine Corps 3 

U. S. Med. Reserve Corps 19 

U. S. Forestry Service 12 

U. S. Engineers Reserve 24 

Officers Reserve Corps 50 

Foreign Services 16 

Miscellaneous 35 

1,696 818 

818 

Total 2,514 

In addition to these figures, which do not include many enlist- 
ments in the Canadian forces, the Naval Reserve Force or members 
of the University of Maine now in service, Penobscot county can 
lay claim to three general officers, Brig. Gens. Mark L. Hersey and 
Harry L. Rogers, and Maj. Gen. Harry F. Hodges. We have also 
the names of approximately 100 men not counted above who have 



ON PUBLIC SAFETY 3 1 

been in the service but have been discharged since April i for physi- 
cal or other disabilities. 

The Committee took its full part in stimulating patriotic spirit, 
and on April 4th, aided by the Chamber of Commerce and allied 
associations, there was held a great demonstration in Bangor, par- 
ticipated in by the people of Eastern Maine. The Committee se- 
cured the attendance of two naval vessels, the Rogers and the 
Warrenton, on that day. "And generally has done all possible for 
it to do for the perpetuation of self-government." 

PISCATAQUIS 

Reports through Frank E. Guernsey, John Houston and 
H. H. Sanders, Jr., that it appointed the usual sub-committees. 
Mr. Oilman L. Arnold, Chairman of the Committee on Finance, 
and his associates, raised ample funds to forward the work of 
the Committee in Piscataquis. Later, the Committee on Food 
Production and Conservation, Charles J. Chase of Sebec, Chair- 
man, named a representative in each of the towns in the county, 
and sent out agricultural survey cards to nearly every farmer. 
Especial mention in this connection is made of J. H. Bodwell, 
County Agent in Agricultural Extension Work, and Mr. 
Caleb H. Cushing of Foxcroft. Mr. E. M. Hamlen, Chair- 
man of the Committee of Public Utilities, did important work 
in calling attention, particularly of the management of great 
transportation facilities which pass through Maine, to certain 
facts which bore on the safety of the public. In bringing the 
attention of the public to the necessity of greater food produc- 
tion and other matters of great public importance for safety, 
the Committee and its sub-committees and its town men have 
performed extremely valuable service, service that could not 
have been obtained or secured other than through voluntary 
and patriotic motives. 

SAGADAHOC 

Reports through A. K. Purington, Secretary, that the Com- 
mittee through the appointment of a sub-committee on finance 
comprising the foremost financiers of the city, met with a 
prompt response for funds. Over $4,000 was collected, in 
addition to the $1,000 appropriated by the city government. 



32 COMMITTEE OP ONE HUNDRED 

Two hundred and fifty dollars was turned over to the Boy 
Scouts Council for equipping volunteers to engage in signal 
patrol service at the mouth of the Kennebec River. Many 
calls were made on the committee for data by officials of the 
army and navy. Through the action of the sub-committee on 
communication, J. B. Drake & Sons financed the entire instal- 
lation of a complete radio plant. The Committee on Provisions 
gathered complete information as to dealers in gasolene and 
oils, and the amounts they carried, and were also able to fur- 
nish army and navy officials data of like nature as to wholesale 
and retail provision dealers. The Committee indexed every 
automobile and motor truck owned in the city, gave the Regis- 
tration Board a complete list of all alien-born citizens, cooper- 
ated through its individuals in helping to make both the Liberty 
Loan campaign and the Food Conservation campaign con- 
spicuous in their success. It has participated in many other 
wartime emergencies. 

SOMERSET 

Through its Chairman, Carleton P. Merrill, as follows : 

"The Public Safety Committee of Somerset County is 
pleased to report that the wishes and suggestions of the State 
Executive Committee have been carried out to a most satis- 
factory extent. The several local committees appear to have 
had the full cooperation of their people and have met the needs 
of their communities. 

"The most extensive work has been performed by the 
Food Conservation Committees with most satisfactory results 
so far as acreage of planting is concerned, but with equally 
disastrous results in yield of crops, owning to the extremely 
wet season and early frosts. These committees are still at 
work endeavoring to meet the demands of the government. 

"Our Enlistment Committee was active and the Mobiliza- 
tion Committee made ample provision for the housing and feed- 
ing of the soldiers, which was no little problem. Many details 
have been carried out and much labor has been and is still 
being performed concerning same, which the public little knows 



ON PUBLIC SAFETY 33 

or appreciates. Our Public Safety Committee has proven the 
value of its existence many times over and stands ready to 
■endeavor to meet such emergencies as may arise." 

WALDO 

Reports through its Chairman, O. E. Frost of Belfast, that 

the Committee attended to the canvass for increased acreage 
for farms, procured fertilizer and seed, handled the Liberty 
Loan, Red Cross and Food Conservation campaigns. 

WASHINGTON 

Through John R. Trimble, Chairman, reports that it had 
no difficulty in raising funds to meet the current expenses. 
The necessity of arousing patriotic interest and enthusiasm was 
early recognized, and in most of the large towns there were 
flag raisings, patriotic orations and parades. The local com- 
mittees assisted recruiting officers. The first object was to fill 
the local company, Co. I, 2d Regiment. In the National serv- 
ice, the navy has been the most popular branch. "The repre- 
sentative committees appointed by the Executive Committee at 
the time of organization served as nuclei for local committees 
which were organized in each municipality by the addition of 
a varying number of members depending upon the size of the 
community. In this way active local committees were obtained 
which have performed the duties outlined by the Executive 
Committee from time to time. 

"In addition to the work originally contemplated, the 
members of the committee have held themselves in readiness 
to assist in any and every way all plans which developed as 
the work progressed. Besides matters of minor importance 
that have been met, the various members of the local com- 
mittees have devoted a great deal of time and energy to the 
work involved in the Liberty Loan and Red Cross campaigns, 
making a most gratifying showing for our county in both cases, 
and also made it a point to see that the several voting places 
were well supplied on Registration Day with men, conveyances 
and materials to expedite the work of the registrars." 



34 COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED 

YORK 

Through its Secretary, Hon. Cecil F. Clark, reports as 
follows : "Sub-committees for public safety have been formed 
in practically every town in the county. Our work has un- 
doubtedly been very much along the lines of other counties, 
although recently our energies have been centered for the most 
part on the agricultural branch, which, under the guidance of 
Mr. W. M. Gray of Sanford, County Agent, has given highly 
gratifying results. 

"Recruiting has been encouraged by us, although most of 
the work has been done independently of our Committee. Our 
finances have been raised by voluntary subscriptions. At pres- 
ent, we have a fund sufficient to carry us through from six to 
ten months, and we hope to be able to continue to finance the 
work. 

"In closing, I want to say that we have found nearly 
everybody ready to serve, and in the best way. We have al- 
ways found the Home Office at Augusta ready to assist in 
every possible way, and we feel that much of the success that 
we have attained is due in a large measure to the advice and 
guidance received from that source." 

REPORT OF SUB-COMMITTEE ON FOOD PRODUCTION 
AND CONSERVATION 

December 31, 1917. 
Hon. Harold M. Sewall, 

Chairman Committee of Public Safety, 
Blaine Mansion, 

Augusta, Maine. 
As Chairman of Sub-Committee on Food Production and 
Conservation I beg leave to submit to you a report of the work 
and activities of this committee to date. 

As a result of a conference, called by the Commissioner 
of Agriculture to consider the question of increased food pro- 
duction and the conservation of food, held at the State House, 
April 9, 1917, a committee was appointed, consisting of the 
following, to deal with the subject of increased production and 
conservation : 



ON PUBLIC safe;ty 35 

Donald F. Snow, Bangor, Chairman. 
Leon S. Merrill, Orono, Vice- Chairman. 
E. L. Newdick, Augusta, Secretary. 
Frank S. Adams, Bowdoinham. 
Edwin T. Clifford, VVinthrop. 
Charles H. Gardner, Skowhegan. 
A. M. G. Soule, Augusta. 
Wm. J. Thompson, So. China. 
Charles D. Woods, Orono. 

When the existence of the above committee was brought 
to the attention of the Committee on PubHc Safety, the com- 
mittee named above as a whole was appointed to act as a sub- 
committee of the Committee on Pubhc Safety to deal with the 
problem of food production and conservation. After careful 
consideration, the following recommendations were made, con- 
stituting the outhne of a campaign for increased production 
and submitted by the committee for state-wide publicity. 

STATEMENT TO THE PUBLIC 

(i) That increase in acreage should be along lines of 
non-perishable products, namely: Wheat, corn, oats and beans. 

(2) That immediate steps be taken to ascertain the acre- 
age planted in 1916, the acreage planned for 1917, and the 
possible increase for 1917 on the following four products: 
Potatoes, corn, sweet corn and beans, the same information 
for animal products, the needs for seed and farm help and 
for financial aid to carry on additional farm work. 

(3) That while we realize it may be necessary in suc- 
ceeding years, if the war continues, for the Government to 
take steps to insure an adequate money return for all crops 
produced, we believe in this particular year the Maine farmers 
will increase their acreage without this incentive. 

(4) That special attention be given to boys' and girls' 
gardens and gardens for adults in cities, and gardens on the 
farms. 

(5) That a good acreage of potatoes as a cash crop and 
a good acreage of turnips for stock feed should be planted. 

(6) That the sweet corn sections should be encouraged 



36 committee: 01? ONK HUNDRED 

to maintain their acreage, both as food for stock and as a 
cash crop. 

(7) That the keeping of pouhry and of swine by farmers 
and by village residents be increased, notwithstanding the high 
price of corn. 

(8) That in view of the high price of mutton and wool, 
the old conditions, when each farmer had a small flock of 
sheep, seem desirable, now. 

(9) That farmers should maintain all the neat stock that 
conditions will warrant. 

(10) That attention of the consuming public should be 
called to the high food value of skim-milk. 

(11) That immediate steps be taken to determine the 
amount of labor regularly available or that may be made avail- 
able to meet special farm needs — this to include men, women^ 
boys and girls. 

(12) That financial concerns should finance farmers 
needing seeds, extra horses, fertilizers, or anything that will 
have to do with increased production or the keeping up of the 
normal production, and that steps be taken at once to find out 
what financial aid could be given. 

Believing that by performing a farm survey much good 
might be accomplished in the matter of the distribution of 
fertilizer, seed and labor, such a survey was made. 

A meeting was called which was attended by a representa- 
tive from each county, and plans for the canvass carefully 
discussed and outlined. A complete chain of committees was. 
organized, extending into the towns, and the final results were 
reported to the State Committee. In many counties the can- 
vass was performed in an efficient manner, and much valuable 
information obtained and service rendered in the distribution 
of seed, fertilizer and labor. Following is a report by counties 
of the canvass and the results tending to an increased pro^ 
duction : 



ON PUBLIC SAFETY 37 

ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY 

In this county, a particularly fine organization was maintained and, 
although the canvass made was not complete in detail, extended into 
practically every town and the results of the committee's work for 
increased food production were, on the whole, very satisfactory. A 
substantial increase in acreage for beans, yellow corn, wheat, oats and 
potatoes, was shown by the survey and a total acreage of approximately 
7,124 acres of cultivated crops reported. Seed and fertilizer were dis- 
tributed by the county agent, and much assistance rendered in the way 
of furnishing farm labor. 

AROOSTOOK COUNTY 

While the canvass was not complete in this county, the acreage 
was considerably increased. A rather careful survey was made in 
thirty towns of the county for the different staple crops, with very 
satisfactory results. Fertilizer and seed were distributed and, through 
the committee, some farm labor was placed. 

CUMBERLAND COUNTY 

In Cumberland count}', committees were organized in twenty-one 
out of twenty-three towns, a canvass made and definite work accom- 
plished, with a 75% increase in acreage reported. Particularly gratify- 
ing reports were received regarding the war gardens and, in order to 
make the plan of vacant-lot gardens established in Portland more suc- 
cessful, seed and fertilizer were furnished at cost by the committee. 

FRANKLIN COUNTY 

The work of the food production committee in this county, under 
the direction of the county agent, was particularly efficient. Of the 
nineteen towns in the county, a report was made from all but one ; 
in some instances the town surveys covered every farm. The normal 
acreage of hoed and grain crops for this county is about 6,500 acres ; 
the percentage of increase reported over the previous season was 71%, 
OT 33% over normal, while the garden crops were estimated to show 
100% increase. Definite figures were also obtained as a result of a 
livestock census. 

HANCOCK COUNTY 

Here, the committee successfully distributed 4,000 bushels of seed 
potatoes, 200 bushels of wheat, 300 bushels of oats, 100 bushels of 
barley, 7 bushels of beans, and 100 tons of fertilizer. The acreage was 
greatly increased, and, in parts of the county, considerable attention 
was paid to war emergency gardens. 



38 COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED 

KENNEBEC COUNTY 

In Kennebec county, a complete organization was maintained in 
the several towns, and excellent work tending to an increased pro- 
duction accomplished. As a result o£ the farm survey, 2,058 blanks 
were returned, showing a net increase of acreage of 56i7o for 1917. 
Very good work was done in the way of locating and distributing seed. 
Fertilizer was also furnished by the committee and distributed by the 
county agent. 

KNOX COUNTY 

A complete survey was made in eight towns and an acreage prom- 
ised three times greater than in 1916. 

LINCOLN COUNTY 

In this county, the work was somewhat handicapped through lack 
of funds, but a brave endeavor was made to increase the acreage by 
those in charge of the food production committee. A canvass was 
made, although in some towns not completed, but after the survey was 
started, many farmers, with the advice of the chairmen, changed their 
plans as to the character of their crops, which tended to a general 
increased production. In several instances it was made possible to 
obtain seed and fertilizer through the agency of the committee. 

OXFORD COUNTY 

In Oxford county, before the blanks for making the farm survey 
were received, a canvass of the towns had already begun and was suc- 
cessfully performed in the following towns : Albany, Andover, Buck- 
field, Brownfield, Byron, Dixfield, Fryeburg, Hiram, Hanover, Hart- 
ford, Lovell, Lincoln Plantation, Mexico, Magalloway Plantation, Milton 
Plantation, Porter, Peru, Norway, Rumford, Stow, Sweden and Water- 
ford. The following figures are interesting as to increased acreage: 
In 1916, acreage under cultivation, 4,626 acres; in 1917, acreage under 
cultivation, 7,154 acres. Along with the survey, the seed and fertilizer 
situation was also carefully canvassed and, whenever any shortage was 
discovered in one locality, it was supplied by any surplus found in 
another. In dealing with the labor problem, arrangements were made 
with factories and mills to close up for a few days and the help was 
thereby released, to assist in the cultivation of crops. Hoeing squads 
were organized in many towns and distributed among the farmers ; 
public-spirited men used their automobiles in this work and, in many 
cases, young ladies interested themselves in the enterprise. The work 
in this county, tending to an increased production, was particularly 
efficient. 



ON PUBLIC SAFETY 39 

PENOBSCOT COUNTY 

The work of Penobscot county was particularly efficient. A very 
complete farm survey and tabulation of reports were effected, seeds 
and fertilizer provided for those who made application, and, though 
attended by considerable difficulty, seed wheat was brought to the county 
by express and sold to the farmers at net cost by the committee. The 
average increase of all crops was reported to be 59 4-10%, with an 
increased acreage per farmer from seven acres in 1916 to li acres in 
191 7, and a total acreage for the county under cultivation from 39,000 
acres in 1916 to 70,000 acres in 191 7. 

PISCATAQUIS COUNTY 

In Piscataquis county the farm survey showed returns from 949 
farms with an increased acreage of 1362 acres. Particularly interesting 
figures as to increased acreage of wheat were given, showing that nine 
acres of wheat were planted in 1916 and 198 acres pledged for 1917. 
Wheat growing in this county was stimulated by the offering of $300 
to be divided into sixteen different prizes for the best acreage of wheat 
grown in the county for 1917. Farm labor, seed and fertilizer were 
also distributed through the agencies of the County Committee. 

SAGADAHOC COUNTY 

Here the survey was not at all complete but the acreage was con- 
siderably increased. Aluch interest was manifested in the war gardens 
in Bath and municipal potato growing was undertaken in this city. 

SOMERSET COUNTY 

While the canvass in this county was not at all complete, produc- 
tion was increased to a considerable extent. It was estimated that twice 
the amount of land was under cultivation by June i than in former 
years. The committee was active in the distribution of farmers' bulle- 
tins and the garden manual, issued by the committee on production and 
conservation, and also in the distribution of seeds. Land, adjacent to 
Skowhegan, was offered for the use of those desiring to plant war 
gardens and not otherwise provided for, and a sum amounting to one 
thousand dollars was secured from various sources and offered as 
prizes to boys' and girls' clubs — all tending to increased production. 
In this county, particularly, the yield of crops was greatly impaired by 
the extremely wet season and early frosts. 

WALDO COUNTY 

A farm survey was made, tending to an increased production. In 
Belfast, good work reported in war gardens. Although no definite 
report is available as to the percentage of increased acreage, it is known 
to be considerable for the county. 



40 COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED 

WASHINGTON COUNTY 

In Washington county, a particularly fine county organization was 
maintained along definite lines, with the result of a total increase in 
all crops of 64% over the acreage in 1916, evidenced by survey. The 
committee was able to assist the farmers in locating considerable quan- 
tities of seed potatoes, oats, wheat, buckwheat, barley and fertilizer, 
thus caring for the needs of nearly all farmers financially responsible. 

YORK COUNTY 

Here, a very complete organization was maintained. Great care 
was given to conducting the survey, and the acreage was increased by 
1,112 acres, or 49%, eighteen towns giving detailed and full reports. 
An active speaking campaign was inaugurated for the purpose of urg- 
ing increased production and to further create an interest in home 
canning. The committee purchased seed wheat, barley, and beans, and 
supplied those in need ; it also supplied those desirous of obtaining 
other kinds of seed, with lists of dealers in buckwheat, oats and pota- 
toes, as well as fertilizer, and was also helpful in placing farm labor 
in many instances. 

GENERAL SUMMARY 

It is, of course, understood that the percentages on in- 
creased acreage as pledged w^ere considerably reduced by the 
very unusual weather conditions which tended to retard pro- 
■duction. 

In all counties, the County Agents working under the 
Farm Extension Service, rendered valuable assistance by serv- 
ing either as chairmen or field secretaries of the County Com- 
mittees and, acting in such capacity, worked untiringly for 
increased production. 

FARM LOANS 

After several conferences with members of the State 
Finance Committee, and a conference with the Governor, the 
Committee recommended that $250,000 be loaned by the State 
under certain conditions ; the recommendation not being deemed 
wise by the Governor, however, no loans were made. 



ON PUBLIC SAFETY 4I 

GARDEN LEAFLETS 

About the time the farm survey was inaugurated, the 
Committee issued a leaflet giving detailed information for 
planting war garden plots; twenty thousand leaflets were dis- 
tributed through the agencies of the county and town com- 
mittees. 

FARM LABOR 

Every effort has been made to assist the farmer to obtain 
the labor necessary to carry on his work. Fortunately, the 
Department of Agriculture at Washington appointed a Special 
Farm Labor Agent, with instructions to work with the Com- 
mittee. Mr. Chester A. Fowles was appointed Special Agent 
for Maine and, throughout the season, has acted upon these 
instructions, making rather complete canvasses, interviewing 
county chairmen, and it is hoped much good has been accom- 
plished through this agency. Mr. Fowles is still employed in 
this capacity and has recently submitted to the Committee a 
plan of campaign and organization as outlined to him at a 
conference held in St. Louis, Mo., this fall, attended by thirty- 
five other State Farm Help Specialists. The Junor Volunteer 
Movement also furnished considerable labor and, as inquiries 
were received by the Committee for this class of labor, they 
were turned over by the Secretary to the Secretary of the 
Volunteer Movement, and a distribution of labor thus effected. 

THRESHING MACHINES 

Some inquiries having been made concerning threshing 
machines, a very complete canvass was made by correspond- 
ence, revealing that in most counties they were well provided 
for along this line. 

CONSERVATION 

After the subject of increased production had been con- 
sidered and the campaign to that end was well under way, 
the attention of the Committee was directed to the subject of 
conservation and, in cooperation with the Farm Extension 
Department of the University of Maine, numerous canning 



42 COMMITT^^ OF ON^ HUNDRED 

demonstrations were held throughout the state. Under date 
of May 12 a letter was sent to the County Committees on Food 
Production and Conservation, calling their attention to the 
demonstrators available, and under this arrangement meetings 
were held in practically every town in the State of Maine. 

GLASS JARS AND CANS 
The glass jar and can situation was investigated and let- 
ters sent to the jobbers, explaining to them the nature of the 
demonstration campaign and urging upon them the fact that 
it was a patriotic duty to buy and provide for the demand 
which would come later. In many instances the advice was 
accepted and in several cases the town and county committees 
were able to act as distributing agencies and no particular 
shortage of cans was reported. 

CLUB WOMEN OF MAINE 
Deeming it advisable to cooperate with the different agen- 
cies in the state already organized, a meeting was held in the 
House of Representatives, May 31, which was well attended 
by the club women of Maine, and, as a result of this meeting, 
a sub-committee of women was added to the committee already 
formed in each town. The work with the club women was 
also further supplemented by two letters addressed to the 450 
granges and 250 women's clubs in the state, urging the im- 
portance of rigid economy and great necessity for food con- 
servation and elimination of waste. 

HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS 

June 7, as a result of an invitation issued to the hotel and 
restaurant men in the state, a very interesting meeting was 
held and the comparative merits of the American and Euro- 
pean plan service discussed ; as a result of this meeting and 
the recommendations of this Committee, supplemented by a 
letter issued June 22, outlining the importance of food con- 
servation and making specific recommendations, numerous 
hotels in the state changed from the American to the Euro- 
pean plan of service, or reduced the items of articles of food 
on their American plan bills. 



ON PUBLIC SAFKTY 43 

DAIRY SURVEY 

In cooperation with the University of Maine and the 
Department of Agriculture, a dairy survey was made in the 
early summer and data collected from thirteen counties, facts 
being obtained from herds numbering from seven to forty- 
three, taken in each county according to the importance of 
the dairy business in that county. The results have been most 
interesting, revealing the average production to have been 
5,244 lbs. of milk produced at a cost of 5 cents and 8 mills, 
w^hile the average price received was 4 cents and 6.6 mills. 

With the appointment of the Federal Food Administrator 
dealing particularly with the subject of conservation, the atten- 
tion of the Committee was then directed to the subject of in- 
creased production, and to this end the appointment of com- 
mittees to handle definite lines of work undertaken. 

SEED SAVING 
Realizing the importance of a campaign for seed saving, 
representatives of the Maine Seed Improvement Association, 
Department of Agriculture, Extension Service of the College 
of Agriculture, and many prominent farmers, were invited to 
a meeting held Sept. i, 191 7, with the result that the following 
committee was appointed : 

E. E. Hodges, Fairfield. 

L. C. Holston, Cornish. 

W. J. Thompson, South China. 

M. D. Jones, Orono. 

E. L. Newdick, Augusta. 

This committee has made progress reports from time to time 
to the Committee, is much encouraged in its work, and is ren- 
dering valuable assistance to the farmers all over the state. 

LIVESTOCK 

Attention was then directed to the livestock situation and 
a similar meeting was held Sept. 8, attended by representatives 
of the Maine Dairymen's Association, State Department of 



44 committe;e; of one; hundred 

Agriculture, College of Agriculture, New England Milk Pro- 
ducers' Association, and an attempt was made to have all dairy 
interests represented, with the idea of carrying into effect a 
program tending to the increase of livestock and the produc- 
tion of home-grown foods. The following committee was 

appointed : 

F. S. Adams, Bowdoinham 

L. E. Mclntire, South Waterford. 

W. C. Monahan, Orono. 

H. M. Tucker, Augusta. 

Alton Pope, Manchester. 

This committee has, also, from time to time, made progress 
reports to the Committee, is publishing a brief bulletin, has 
held numerous meetings and is reporting considerable advance- 
ment. 

MARKETING 

In consideration of the subject of marketing, representa- 
tives from the 

Maine Department of Agriculture, 

Maine College of Agriculture, 

Maine State Grange, 

Maine State Board of Trade, 

State of Maine Agricultural and Industrial League, 

Farmers' Union of Maine, 

Maine Fruit Growers' Exchange, 

N. E. Milk Producers' Association, 

Industrial Agent, B. & A. R. R., 

Industrial Agent, M. C. R. R., 

met in the Hall of Representatives, Oct. 20, 1917. The meet- 
ing was also attended by C. J. Brann, Chief of the Federal 
Bureau of Markets, Washington, and Governor Milliken. The 
following committee was appointed to work to improve gen- 
eral marketing conditions : 



ON PUBLIC SAFETY 45 

F. S. Adams, Bowdoinham. 

C. H. Bartlett, Lawyer, Bangor. 

C. H. Gardner, President Maine Farmers' Union, 
Waterville. 

E. W. Hannaford, Portland. 

L. E. Mclntire, East Waterford. 

Leon S. Merrill, Orono. 

C. O. Purington, Lecturer, State Grange, Bowdoin. 

C. H. White, Manager, Maine Agricultural 
Industrial League, Portland. 
This committee is only recently formed and has simply met 
and organized and as yet has made no progress reports. 

WHEAT INVESTIGATION 

After crops had been harvested, an investigation of wheat 
growing was begun, with the idea of finding out how successful 
such venture was in 1917. This investigation, while not com- 
pleted, shows considerable optimism on the part of the farmers 
who sowed wheat, and, from the replies already received, it 
is indicated that the yields of wheat per acre were realized, 
ranging from 2^ to 20 bushels to the acre in some sections, 
and an average of 9 bushels per acre in others. Taking into 
consideration the very unusual weather conditions in 1917, 
sufficient encouragement has been received thus far, which will 
warrant advising the sowing of wheat for 1918. 

INSECTICIDE AND FERTILIZER SURVEY 

In order to honor the request from the United States 
Department of Agriculture as to the needs of farmers of the 
State of Maine for insecticides and fertilizers, such informa- 
tion is now being collected and tabulated by the Committee 
and will be available for use early in 1918; at such time the 
information desired will be supplied to the Department of 
Agriculture. 

FUEL WOOD COMMITTEE 

When the scarcity of fuel and the possibility of encour- 
aging increased cutting of wood was considered by this Com- 
mittee, a fuel wood committee, to consider the question of fuel 



46 COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED 

wood, was appointed. When the existence of such committee 
was brought to the attention of the Fuel Administrator, the 
committee was appointed as a state-wide Fuel Committee, to 
which the Forestry Commissioner was added. This committee 
has made progress reports from time to time of its activities, 
and has already been given the assurance by the U. S. Depart- 
ment of the services of a trained forester to assist in the work 
and to demonstrate for selective cutting wherever stumpage 
is available, and this work will be undertaken the first of 
January, 1918. 

MEETINGS 

For consideration of the different subjects dealing with 
food production and conservation, as herein reported, the 
Committee has held regular meetings since its appointment, 
holding them each week with few exceptions. Through the 
kindness of Hon. John A. Roberts, Commissioner of Agricul- 
ture, Mr. E. L. Newdick, Chief of the Bureau of Seed Improve- 
ment of the Department of Agriculture, has acted as Secre- 
tary of the Committee. As Mr. Newdick has been thus sta- 
tioned, it has made it possible for the Committee to have an 
office open at all times for business. Commissioner Roberts 
has also cooperated fully with the Committee by furnishing 
clerks and stenographers for Mr. Newdick's assistance, all of 
which has been of great help in reporting meetings with other 
organizations, and the work of tabulating and filing data col- 
lected by the Committee. 

In conclusion, we wish to acknowledge here the splendid 
support and cooperation given this Committee by the Univer- 
sity of Maine and its Farm Extension workers, the Experi- 
ment Station, and all agencies and organizations with whom 
we have endeavored to cooperate, and also your courtesy and 
cooperation as Chairman of the Public Safety Committee. 
Respectfully submitted, 

DONALD F. SNOW, 
Chairman, Sub-Committee on Food Production 
and Conservation. 



ON PUBLIC SAFETY 47 

A REPORT UPON THE FOUR MINUTE MEN IN MAINE 

Dec. 6, 1917. 

The first Four Minute Men Campaigns began in about 
twenty-five of the cities and towns in the State, the week of 
August 24th. The subject of the Campaign was "Why We 
Are Fighting." Branch Chairmen had early been secured in 
the largest cities of the State, so with successful openings of 
speaking campaigns in those cities, the way was made easier 
for the introduction of the plan into the smaller towns of the 
State. 

By the middle of September, thanks to the efforts of local 
Chairmen and newspaper publicity, together with the assistance 
of various members of the State Public Safety Committee who 
nominated Chairmen in various towms, the organization had 
grown to include some fifty of the towns and cities of the 
State. Campaigns on other subjects had been carried on — 
"What Our Enemy Really Is," "Onward to Victory." Up till 
this time the State had been organized on an irregular basis, 
the State Chairman receiving all material from Washington 
and then himself distributing it to his Branch Chairmen all 
over the State. 

Beginning with the campaign on the "Second Liberty 
Loan," material was sent from Washington direct to the vari- 
ous Branch Chairmen, so leaving the State Chairman more 
time to secure Branch Chairmen in towns of the State still 
uncovered. Inasmuch as a good start had been made, this task 
has not been very difficult and at the present date, December 
6th, about ninety-five towns and cities of the State are enlisted 
in Four Minute Men work. 

The Branch Chairmen have been most able and willing, 
and at the same time, being men of prominence and activity 
in their own communities, have been obliged to sacrifice con- 
siderably in order to engage in this patriotic work. They have 
taken hold of each campaign — following the "Second Liberty 
Loan" came the "Food Pledge Week" campaign, and then, in 
aid of the Y. M. C. A. Fund, a campaign called "Maintaining 
Morals and Morale," while the current campaign is entitled 
"Carrying the Message" — with splendid vigor. They have been 



48 COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED 

securing the very best speakers in their communities and their 
work has been increasingly successful and welcome. 3?Ir. 
Nathan Clifford of the Liberty Loan Committee and Mr. W. 
B. Moore of the State Food Administration have been most 
appreciative of the services of the Four Minute Men. The 
work has now reached the point where theatre managers ask 
for speakers and speakers ask to be allowed to speak. 

The counties in the State differ in the readiness with 
which they have taken hold of this opportunity of presenting 
and receiving the material which the government wants the 
theatre-goers to have. Knox, Oxford, Sagadahoc, lead with 
100 per cent of their theatre towns organized ; Cumberland has 
88 per cent of her towns with the Four Minute Men; Wash- 
ington, 85 per cent ; Penobscot, 80 per cent ; York, 72 per cent ; 
Waldo, 67 per cent; Piscataquis, 67 per cent; Aroostook, 65 
per cent ; Hancock, 60 per cent ; Lincoln, 50 per cent ; Somerset, 
50 per cent; Kennebec, 40 per cent; Franklin, 38 per cent. 
Androscoggin has two Chairmen but campaigns have not yet 
been begun. 

At the time Maine entered upon her Four Minute Men 
work, only twenty-five states with three thousand speakers 
were engaged in campaigns ; now every state in the country 
has organized for the work and there are fifteen thousand 
speakers. Maine stands high among these states with more 
than ninety of her one hundred and thirty towns having Four 
Minute Men. It is not merely in numbers that the State stands 
high but also in the quality of the work, for most favorable 
reports of its success come from at least sixty of these towns 
and cities, small and large. According to an official report 
made at a time when Maine had only sixty-five Branch Chair- 
men, she ranked as eleventh state in the country in this work, 
on a purely numerical basis. At present her rank must be 
higher even on this basis; and when the basis is determined 
by the percentage of theatre towns engaged in the work, this 
State must be among the leading half dozen in the country. 
Respectfully submitted, 

PAUL NIXON, 
State Chairman Four Minute Men. 



ON PUBLIC SAFETY 49 

DISBURSEMENT ACCOUNT OF PUBLIC SAFETY 
COMMITTEE. 

Expended for Maintenance of General Headquarters: 

Postage $272 00 

Express 12 22 

Telephone and telegraph 526 93 

Office supplies 320 56 

Decorating for patriotic meeting 15 00 

Typewriter rental 33 SO 

Electric light and heat 52 35 

Printing and binding Committee Roster 2 80 

Services of Executive Secretary 750 00 

" " stenographers 647 50 

Expenses Bath office 249 ^^ 

Registration buttons 416 00 

Pamphlets for distribution 10 00 

Advertising for seed 109 35 

" " recruiting 76 80 

$3,494 78 

Expense of delegates to Washington, in re 

training camp 126 64 

Expended for Four Minute Men Department . . 301 75 
Expended under direction Food Committee ... 1,003 78 
Expended under direction Naval Affairs Com- 
mittee 2,074 88 

Expended for repairs and maintenance of Blaine 

Mansion, under direction of Supt. of Buildings 1,485 65 
Expended for gates International bridge. Van 

Buren 69 80 

5,062 50 



$8,557 28 

In order to facilitate the opening of the office, and to provide for 
immediate current expenses, the Chairman of the Committee ad- 
vanced the sum of $500, for which he was subsequently reimbursed 
by the State. 

The New England Telephone & Telegraph Company donated 
for the use of the Committee the sum of $500. These two items, 
amounting to $1,000, was disbursed by the Executive Secretary, an 
itemized account of which was submitted to the Executive Com- 
mittee at their meeting on December 17th. The unexpended balance 
of this account, amounting to $2.82, was turned over by the Secre- 
tary to the State Treasurer. Vouchers and receipts for the expendi- 
ture of the said one thousand dollars have been filed wtih the State 
Auditor. 



50 COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED 

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT BETWEEN JOHN E. BUNKER, 
SECRETARY, COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY, AND 
THE STATE OF MAINE 

In re Wheat 

Dr. 
May 12 To State Treasurer's check, payable 

to First National Granite Bank 

for carload of wheat from R. W. 

Searles $3,410 00 

May 14 To check payable to Maine Central 

R. R. Company for freight on 

above 96 36 

$3,506 36 

May 18 To check payable First National 

Granite Bank for carload wheat 

from Dickinson 3,067 49 

May 18 To check payable to American Ex- 
press Co., for express on same.. 1,035 28 

4,102 ^7 

June 14 To check payable to First National 

Granite Bank for carload wheat 

from Dickinson 3,574 71 

May 25 To check payable to American Ex- 
press Co., express on same 1,290 97 

4,865 68 

June 15 To check payable to Oscar Holway 

Company, for carload wheat and 

carload buckwheat 5,489 65 

May 25 To check payable to Maine Central 

R. R. Co., for freight on same.. 113 79 

5,603 44 

May 18 To check payable to Jas. J. H. Greg- 
ory & Son, for garden seeds for 

Bangor Com. on P. S 412 41 



Contra. 

By paid State Treasurer check B. L. 
Batchelder Flour Mill Co. on 
acct. wheat for seed $7,54450 

By paid State Treasurer check of 
B. L. Batchelder Flour Mill Co., 
for wheat for grinding 1,96200 

By paid State Treasurer check of 
Farmers' Union Grain & Supply 
Co., for buckwheat for seed.... 1,014 ^7 



$18,490 66 



ON PUBLIC SAFETY . . 5 1 

By paid State Treasurer check of 

Bangor P. S. Committee for seed 412 41 

■ • 10,933 08 



$7,557 58 
Stock on Hand: 

By 961 bushels wheat costing $3,747 90 

228 bushels buckwheat costing .... 547 20 

4,295 ID 



Entire cost to State on acct. of fertilizer and seed $3,262 48 

The labor of unloading the wheat, weighing, bagging, trucking, 
telephoning, postal cards, postage, express and freight on wheat re- 
turned, amounting, as per itemized bill, to $231.17, paid to the B. L. 
Batchelder Flour Mill Co., represents the entire expense for handling. 

In unloading and bagging in small quantities it was found that 
the wheat shrunk about i per cent. Owing to the difficulty in collecting 
on some quantities of wheat forwarded without cash in advance, the 
B. L. Batchelder Flour Mill Co. assumed all responsibility for these 
accounts, and paid the State at the rate of $4 a bushel, as per above 
mentioned checks. 



I 



52 COMMITTEE OF ONE HUNDRED 

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT BETWEEN JOHN E. BUNKER, 
SECRETARY, COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY, AND 
THE STATE OF MAINE 

In re Fertilizer 

1917 Dr. 

June I To State Treasurer's check payable to 

Armour Fertilizer Works $41679 00 

Cr. 

By paid State Treasurer check of E. F. 
Gowell, Berwick, for one car fer- 
tilizer $935 85 

By paid same check F. E. Guernsey, 

Dover, for one car fertilizer 935 85 

By paid same check C. L. Morang, 

Ellsworth, for one car fertilizer.. 935 85 

By paid same check A. L. 
Deering, Augusta, for part 
car fertilizer $742 01 

By paid same check C. L. 
Morang, for part car fer- 
tilizer 192 84 

934 85 

By paid same check Machias 
Farmers' Union, one car 

fertilizer 935 85 

Interest on same 28 40 964 25 4,706 65 



$27 65 



Note: The foregoing five cars of fertilizer were to be paid for 
June 1st, in order to get full discount. The Machias Farmers' Union 
elected to pay July ist, and were therefore charged interest to that 
date. 

Two carloads of fertilizer were purchased from Whitman & Pratt 
Rendering Company. Both cars were paid for by the consignees directly 
to the Company. 




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